I confess: iNanny is my favourite Nanny. And I’ve always felt that she has been quite a good nanny because:
1) I get a tantrum-less toddler for at least 30 minutes;
2) I get to do my own things for that 30 minutes;
3) it stops her from jumping all over the couch or climbing the stairs nonstop or throwing her toys all around the floor or destroying something;
4) she learns a LOT from the videos, i.e. ABCs, nursery rhymes, language, planets and the solar system, etc.
However, lately I’ve been imposing a new rule of no gadgets during sleep time, whether afternoon nap time or bed time. Because there are no gadgets, the sleep routine now consists of book-reading and storytelling.
Amy has a very good memory. She can memorize the words on every page of the books we read to her, and can even recite stories that I made up (but of course, that meant I had read and told her the stories again and again and again and again and again…).
Recently, I caught her reciting a story that I often told her, only she has slightly modified it (those with exclamation marks were shouted at the top of her lungs. The more exclamation marks, the louder it was):
Amy’s story #1:
One day, Papa Night Owl saw Little Night Owl, and said “Night Owl, it’s time to go outside.”
Night Owl said, “I don’t want to go outside! I wanna eat orange!”
Papa Night Owl said, “I don’t want to eat orange! I want to go out!”
Night Owl said, “I don’t want to go out!! I want to stay in the room!!!”
Makes no sense, unless you’ve been listening to the conversations we’ve been having in our house. Haha.
Amy’s story #2 (in reference to Peppa Pig):
There is Daddy Pig, Mummy Pig, Peppa Pig and Baby George.
Baby George cries all the time.
Baby George dowan to be happy.
Amy’s story #3:
Where is Baby Alistair?
Is he behind the door? No!
Is he under the bed? No!
Is he at the playground? No!
Baby Alistair cries all the time.
***
She cracks me up!
I can learn a thing or two about creativity from her. In a child’s mind, nothing needs to be logical or rational, and that is the beauty of imagination. Often, that is also how great stories come about! I’m looking forward to hearing more stories from her!
Love,
Natalie